Sex-related Differences in the Orbital Area of Bulgarians – a 3D Laser Scanning

The present study aimed to provide up-to-date information on normal sex-related dimensions of the orbital region in young Bulgarian adults, using a 3D laser scanner. The three-dimensional coordinates of several soft-tissue landmarks on the orbits and face were obtained using a hand-held laser scanner (FastSCAN Cobra, Polhemus Inc, Colchester VT) in 95 healthy individuals (46 males and 49 females) of Bulgarian origin aged 21–30 years. From the landmarks outer and intercanthal widths, length of eye fissure, and height of the orbit were calculated and averaged for sex. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test. Statistically significant difference was found in outer canthal width, both eyes fissure length, and orbital height between sexes. The differences in the inner canthal width did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). The data of the present study could serve as a quantitative characteristic of human orbital morphology. Forensic applications, evaluations of traumas, craniofacial alterations, and facial reconstruction may also benefit from the data.